H&R Block Review

What Is H&R Block?

H&R Block is a tax preparation company that provides a wide range of tax services to individuals and small businesses. The company was founded in 1955 by brothers Henry W. Bloch and Richard Bloch and has since grown to become one of the largest tax preparation firms in the United States.

H&R Block offers tax preparation services in-person at their many retail locations, as well as online through their website and mobile app. They provide assistance with filing taxes, tax planning, audit support, and other related services. They also offer tax software for individuals who prefer to prepare their own taxes.

H&R Block is known for their expertise in tax law and their commitment to providing high-quality service to their clients. They have helped millions of individuals and small businesses navigate the complex world of taxes and are a trusted resource for tax-related matters.

Who Is H&R Block Good For?

H&R Block is a good option for individuals and small businesses who need help with tax preparation and related services. Here are a few examples of who may benefit from H&R Block’s services:

• Individuals who have complex tax situations: H&R Block has tax experts who can help individuals with complex tax situations, such as those who are self-employed or have multiple sources of income.
• Small business owners: H&R Block offers tax services specifically designed for small business owners, including assistance with bookkeeping and payroll.
• Individuals who want professional assistance with tax planning: H&R Block offers tax planning services to help individuals minimize their tax liability and plan for the future.
• Those who want assistance with tax audits: H&R Block offers audit support services to help individuals navigate the audit process.
• Individuals who want the convenience of online tax preparation: H&R Block offers online tax preparation services for those who prefer to prepare their taxes from the comfort of their own home.

Overall, H&R Block is a good option for anyone who wants assistance with tax preparation and related services, whether they are individuals or small business owners.

H&R Block Features

H&R Block offers a wide range of features and services to help individuals and small businesses with tax preparation and related needs. Some of the key features of H&R Block include:

• Tax preparation services: H&R Block offers in-person and online tax preparation services for individuals and small businesses. They have tax experts who can help with complex tax situations and provide guidance on deductions and credits.
• Tax planning services: H&R Block offers tax planning services to help individuals and businesses minimize their tax liability and plan for the future.
• Audit support: H&R Block provides audit support services to help clients navigate the audit process.
• Bookkeeping and payroll services: H&R Block offers bookkeeping and payroll services for small businesses to help with financial record-keeping and payroll management.
• Online tax software: H&R Block has online tax software that individuals can use to prepare and file their own taxes.
• Mobile app: H&R Block has a mobile app that allows individuals to easily prepare and file their taxes from their mobile device.
• Refund advance: H&R Block offers a refund advance program that allows eligible clients to get a portion of their tax refund early.
• Free tax advice: H&R Block offers free tax advice from their tax experts through their website, mobile app, and in-person consultations.

Overall, H&R Block offers a variety of features and services to meet the tax preparation and related needs of individuals and small businesses.

H&R Block Plans and Pricing

H&R Block offers a variety of tax preparation plans and pricing options to meet the needs of different clients. Here’s an overview of the plans and pricing for H&R Block:

• Online tax preparation: H&R Block offers three online tax preparation plans: Free, Deluxe, and Premium. The Free plan is for simple tax returns, while the Deluxe plan includes more advanced features such as itemized deductions and rental property income. The Premium plan is designed for self-employed individuals and includes support for business income and expenses. Prices range from free for the basic plan to around $105 for the Premium plan.
• In-person tax preparation: H&R Block also offers in-person tax preparation services at their retail locations. The pricing for these services varies based on the complexity of the tax return and the specific services needed. The average cost for an in-person tax preparation service is around $150, but it can be higher for more complex returns.
• Tax software: H&R Block also offers tax software for individuals who prefer to prepare their own taxes. The cost of the software ranges from around $25 to $90, depending on the features included.
• Additional services: H&R Block also offers a variety of additional services, such as tax planning and audit support, that are priced separately based on the specific needs of the client.

Overall, H&R Block offers a range of plans and pricing options to meet the needs of different clients, from those with simple tax returns to those with more complex tax situations.

Guarantees

H&R Block offers several guarantees to ensure that their clients receive high-quality service and accuracy in their tax preparation. Here are some of the guarantees offered by H&R Block:

• Accuracy Guarantee: H&R Block offers an Accuracy Guarantee, which states that they will reimburse clients for any penalties and interest incurred due to errors on the part of H&R Block in preparing their tax return.
• Maximum Refund Guarantee: H&R Block also offers a Maximum Refund Guarantee, which means that they will get clients the maximum refund possible based on their tax situation.
• Satisfaction Guarantee: H&R Block offers a Satisfaction Guarantee, which allows clients to cancel their tax preparation services and receive a full refund if they are not satisfied with the service provided.
• Audit Support Guarantee: H&R Block offers Audit Support Guarantee, which provides free audit support and guidance in the event that a client’s tax return is audited by the IRS or a state taxing authority.

Overall, H&R Block’s guarantees provide clients with peace of mind that they will receive accurate and high-quality tax preparation services, and that they will be supported in the event of an audit or other issue.

How to Sign Up

To sign up for H&R Block’s tax preparation services, you have a few options depending on your preferred method:

• In-person: To sign up for in-person tax preparation services, you can visit an H&R Block retail location. You can find a location near you by using the “Find an Office” feature on H&R Block’s website.
• Online: To sign up for H&R Block’s online tax preparation services, you can visit their website and select the plan that best suits your tax preparation needs. You will be prompted to create an account and then you can start preparing your tax return.
• Tax software: If you prefer to use H&R Block’s tax software to prepare your own taxes, you can purchase the software directly from their website or from a retail location. Once you have the software, you can install it on your computer and start preparing your return.

Regardless of which option you choose, you may need to provide some personal and financial information to H&R Block to prepare your tax return accurately. This may include your Social Security number, income information, and deductions and credits you are eligible for. H&R Block will provide guidance on what information is needed as you prepare your tax return.

Synchronization

H&R Block offers synchronization with various financial institutions and software to make the tax preparation process more efficient and accurate. Here are some of the synchronization options offered by H&R Block:

• Importing financial data: H&R Block allows users to import financial data from over 15,000 financial institutions, including banks, credit card companies, and investment accounts. This feature saves time and reduces the risk of errors by automatically populating relevant financial data into the tax return.
• Integration with QuickBooks: H&R Block integrates with QuickBooks, a popular small business accounting software, to make tax preparation for small business owners more streamlined. This feature allows users to import data directly from QuickBooks into their tax return, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.
• Mobile synchronization: H&R Block also offers mobile synchronization with their mobile app, which allows users to take a picture of their W-2 form using their mobile device and automatically import the data into their tax return.

Overall, H&R Block’s synchronization features help to make the tax preparation process more efficient and accurate by reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing the risk of errors.

Mobile Accessibility

H&R Block offers mobile accessibility through their mobile app, which is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. Here are some of the features of H&R Block’s mobile app:

• Tax preparation: Users can prepare and file their tax returns directly from the mobile app. The app offers the same features and functionality as the desktop version of H&R Block’s tax preparation software.
• Importing data: Users can import data directly into their tax return from various sources, such as their W-2 form or financial accounts, by taking a picture of the relevant documents using their mobile device.
• Tax calculators: The mobile app includes tax calculators to help users estimate their tax liability and refund amount.
• Appointment scheduling: Users can schedule an appointment with an H&R Block tax professional directly from the mobile app.
• Document storage: The mobile app allows users to store and access their tax documents, such as previous tax returns and receipts, securely on their mobile device.

Overall, H&R Block’s mobile app offers a convenient and accessible way for users to prepare and file their tax returns, access their tax documents, and connect with a tax professional if needed, all from their mobile device.

Customer Service

H&R Block offers several customer service options to assist their clients with their tax preparation needs. Here are some of the customer service options provided by H&R Block:

• Phone support: H&R Block offers phone support to their clients. You can find the appropriate phone number for your specific situation on the H&R Block website.
• Online chat: H&R Block also offers online chat support on their website. This is a convenient option if you prefer to communicate via text rather than phone.
• In-person support: If you have purchased H&R Block’s in-person tax preparation services, you can visit an H&R Block retail location for in-person support from a tax professional.
• Knowledge center: H&R Block’s website includes a knowledge center with frequently asked questions and helpful articles to assist with tax preparation questions.
• Social media support: H&R Block has a presence on several social media platforms and offers support through these channels as well.

Overall, H&R Block offers a variety of customer service options to assist their clients with their tax preparation needs.

H&R Block Pros & Cons

Like any product or service, H&R Block has its pros and cons. Here are some of the pros and cons of using H&R Block for tax preparation:

Pros:

• Convenience: H&R Block offers both online and in-person tax preparation options, making it a convenient choice for many people.
• Expertise: H&R Block has been in the tax preparation business for over 60 years and employs thousands of tax professionals who are knowledgeable about tax laws and regulations.
• Guarantees: H&R Block offers various guarantees, including a maximum refund guarantee and an accuracy guarantee, which can provide peace of mind to clients.
• Synchronization: H&R Block offers synchronization with various financial institutions and software to make the tax preparation process more efficient and accurate.

Cons:

• Cost: H&R Block’s tax preparation services can be more expensive than some other options, especially for more complex tax returns.
• Limited DIY options: While H&R Block offers tax preparation software for users who want to prepare their own taxes, the options are limited compared to some other tax software options.
• Wait times: During tax season, wait times for in-person appointments at H&R Block locations can be long, and phone support wait times can also be significant.
• Limited mobile app functionality: While H&R Block offers a mobile app, the functionality is somewhat limited compared to the desktop version of their software.

Overall, H&R Block is a well-established and reputable option for tax preparation, but may not be the most cost-effective or flexible option for everyone.

Bottom Line

H&R Block is a reputable and established tax preparation service that offers a range of options for both in-person and online tax preparation. With its synchronization with various financial institutions and software, as well as its guarantees and expertise, H&R Block can provide peace of mind to clients during tax season. However, the cost of H&R Block’s services can be higher than some other tax preparation options, and the wait times for in-person appointments or phone support can be significant during peak tax season. Overall, H&R Block can be a good choice for those who value convenience, expertise, and guarantees, but may not be the most cost-effective or flexible option for everyone.